Ex-Convict To Mysterious Power

Chapter 5

Cole and Amanda stepped out of the store a few minutes later.

Amanda carried a bag of clothes—the same ones the manager had practically shoved into her arms—and Cole was already wearing one of the sets. Sharp, expensive, nothing like the man who walked in earlier. He looked like he belonged in a private jet, not a jail cell.

She kept sneaking glances at him. She still had no idea what the hell had just happened in there. Or why the manager suddenly turned into his butler. Or where that card came from. Or… who Cole really was anymore.

Three years was a long time.

But for some reason, it was still awkward. Like small talk was a crime and breathing too loud might ruin the moment.

“I… actually…” Cole said, breaking the silence. His voice was hesitant.

Amanda stopped walking. “What?”

“I guess I… I forgot something at the hospital.”

“Oh. Well, maybe we could just—like, maybe go together?”

She instantly hated how awkward she sounded. What was that stutter? Why did her hands suddenly feel useless?

Cole shook his head. “No. I can get it myself.”

Amanda nodded slowly. “Don’t forget the family meeting tonight. You remember the family villa, right?”

“I do.”

“I’ll be expecting you,” she added with a smile so stiff it deserved to be arrested.

Cole watched her get into the black car her driver had pulled up. He didn’t say anything, just waited until it rolled away from the curb.

Then he flagged down a cab.

He might’ve embarrassed Tiffany and her smug little boyfriend in there, but it wasn’t even close to enough.

Because if that’s how Amanda had been treated in public, in broad daylight, in front of strangers…

What kind of hell had she endured in the last three years behind closed doors?

The cab driver glanced at him through the rearview mirror. “Where to, sir?”

Cole leaned back in his seat. He called out the address of a company to the cab driver.

It was time to get back at the crazy bastard who sent him to prison—and didn’t even keep his end of the deal.

Minutes later, Cole stepped into the sleek lobby of the company. He looked around, then walked up to the receptionist’s desk.

“I’m here to see Blake Harrison,” he said.

The receptionist looked up. Well-dressed, sharp, confident. He didn’t look like a man who had just walked out of prison. She offered a polite smile and quickly dialed Blake’s assistant.

“Just a second, sir,” she said sweetly. A beat later, she hung up and turned to him again. “Mr. Blake’s assistant is on his way.”

Cole gave a small nod.

Seconds passed.

Then a man in a black suit appeared. His steps were confident—until his eyes landed on Cole.

He stopped. Froze, actually.

Cole took a step forward. Recognition hit both men at once.

Kane.

High school pain in the ass. One of those guys who strutted through life like his dad owned the sun. Cole didn’t need a reminder—Kane had always been bitter competition, the kind that smiled in your face while grinding his teeth underneath.

Kane turned to the receptionist. “Who did you say was here to see Mr. Blake?”

She blinked. “Him, sir.”

Kane’s eyes burned with disgust. “Do I need to teach you how to do your job, or would you rather learn after getting handed a termination letter?”

“S-Sir—”

“Let this be the last time you let just anyone into this company.”

He turned, ready to walk off.

“Kane,” Cole called out, voice cool. “I didn’t come here to see you.”

Kane halted.

Slowly, he turned around.

Yeah, he remembered.

Cole had always been the spotlight guy—even without the money. Star of the field. Top of the class. Everything Kane wanted to be, Cole already was. And when Amanda, the golden girl of their year, chose Cole to marry. Kane nearly lost it.

The only comfort he’d had was knowing Cole had a sick mother tying him down.

But now here he was again. Same face. Same edge.

“I just need five minutes with Blake,” Cole said, calm as ever.

“I doubt Blake wants to see someone with a criminal record,” Kane snapped. “Especially a rapist.”

Cole stepped forward.

“Don’t come any closer. I’m allergic to crimes,” Kane sneered.

Cole tilted his head. “Do you really have to be like this?”

“I’ll give you two seconds to leave.”

“Kane—”

“One... two.” His voice dropped a pitch. “Anything I do to you now? It’s on you.”

“I’m not leaving this place until I see Blake.”

That was all Kane needed. A golden opportunity to finally put Cole down. No second thoughts. He lunged with a punch aimed straight at Cole’s gut.

Cole caught his fist mid-air—calmly.

A swift twist.

Kane’s face contorted in pain before Cole slammed him against the wall. The man crumpled to the floor with a thud, howling.

Cole sighed through his nose. “Still soft.” He turned and headed inside.

But Kane had already pressed a button.

He wasn’t calling security.

He was calling muscle.

The kind of men you bring in when you want someone destroyed, quietly and without questions.

From the corners of the company, they appeared. Eight of them. Towering. Built. Ready.

A female staff walking past saw Kane on the ground. She didn’t waste time. One call, and within minutes, everyone from the floor had gathered.

“He’s dead,” one staff whispered.

“He must’ve insulted Kane again.”

“Guy looks rich, but not that smart.”

“Mr. Kane probably snatched his girlfriend.”

“This is suicide.”

Cole did a quick scan. There were eight hefty men. Just eight of them. Disappointing for the first time he'd be dealing with some bastards after coming out from the prison.

One of the men stepped forward, he had no smile on his face, his hand alone was enough to crush Cole's neck into pieces. He launched a punch.

Missed.

Another punch.

Missed.

The staff and the others that had joined froze. All conversation stopped. What the fuck was going on?!

Cole hissed. These undertrained men. He didn't have time to spend with them. It'll soon be time for the family meeting, he should make a good first impression.

He did a leap, kicked, two men staggered backward. Another kick, two more men.

Send a couple of punches to two others, equally escaping their retaliation with precision as if he had eyes all over his body.

The last two, just a push sent them crashing across the room, their groans and hisses filled the room.